Korean rapper apologizes for anti-American lyrics

The Korean rapper known as "PSY" will perform for the Obama family this weekend. Here is an example of his family-friendly lyrics:

Kill those fu**ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives Kill those fu**ing Yankees who ordered them to torture Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers Kill them all slowly and painfully

True, the concert where he belted out those lyrics took place 8 years ago. But there was a petition on the "We the People" website calling on the president to cancel his family outing to see the rap star.

Now PSY has apologized - profusely. Evidently, American greenbacks are more powerful than whatever rancid political beliefs he holds:

"As a proud South Korean who was educated in the United States and lived there for a very significant part of my life, I understand the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy in my country and around the world," PSY's statement says. "The song in question - from eight years ago - was part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq and the killing of two innocent Korean civilians that was part of the overall antiwar sentiment shared by others around the world at that time."

"I have been honored to perform in front of American soldiers in recent months - including an appearance on the Jay Leno show specifically for them - and I hope they and all Americans can accept my apology. While it's important we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so. In my music I try to give people a release, a reason to smile. I have learned that though music, our universal language we can all come together as a culture of humanity and I hope that you will accept my apology."

Apology accepted. Now go back to Korea and spout your anti-American hate to your heart's content.

Does anyone really believe in the sincerity of this "apology?" The fact that he has a lot to lose by offending Americans and the potential cancelation by the president no doubt had more to do with his mea culpa than any feelings of real regret.

Even before the apology, President Obama indicated that he was still going to attend the concert. That sends the wrong message to artists such as PSY who play to the anti-American sentiments of their audience without suffering any consequences when they alight here.

The Korean rapper known as "PSY" will perform for the Obama family this weekend. Here is an example of his family-friendly lyrics:

Kill those fu**ing Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives Kill those fu**ing Yankees who ordered them to torture Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law and fathers Kill them all slowly and painfully

True, the concert where he belted out those lyrics took place 8 years ago. But there was a petition on the "We the People" website calling on the president to cancel his family outing to see the rap star.

Now PSY has apologized - profusely. Evidently, American greenbacks are more powerful than whatever rancid political beliefs he holds:

"As a proud South Korean who was educated in the United States and lived there for a very significant part of my life, I understand the sacrifices American servicemen and women have made to protect freedom and democracy in my country and around the world," PSY's statement says. "The song in question - from eight years ago - was part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq and the killing of two innocent Korean civilians that was part of the overall antiwar sentiment shared by others around the world at that time."

"I have been honored to perform in front of American soldiers in recent months - including an appearance on the Jay Leno show specifically for them - and I hope they and all Americans can accept my apology. While it's important we express our opinions, I deeply regret the inflammatory and inappropriate language I used to do so. In my music I try to give people a release, a reason to smile. I have learned that though music, our universal language we can all come together as a culture of humanity and I hope that you will accept my apology."

Apology accepted. Now go back to Korea and spout your anti-American hate to your heart's content.

Does anyone really believe in the sincerity of this "apology?" The fact that he has a lot to lose by offending Americans and the potential cancelation by the president no doubt had more to do with his mea culpa than any feelings of real regret.

Even before the apology, President Obama indicated that he was still going to attend the concert. That sends the wrong message to artists such as PSY who play to the anti-American sentiments of their audience without suffering any consequences when they alight here.